Justices Back Criminal Defendants in Firearm Sentencing Rule (1)

The US Supreme Court appeared ready to side with criminal defendants arguing for a contemporary look at whether they are eligible for a 15-year mandatory minimum for certain firearms convictions, rather than a backward-facing analysis.

The only question appeared to be how they will win.

The two cases heard by the justices on Monday deal with the oft-litigated Armed Career Criminal Act. The act—known as ACCA—provides a substantial sentencing enhancement for individuals who illegally possess a firearm after being convicted of three previous “serious” drug offenses.

The problem for lower courts and the justices is that the definition of which ...